Fact Sheet
Managing your labour
Managing your labour
There are many ways to help you labour; these
include using relaxation, massage and positioning.
When you relax in labour it allows your body to
focus on the process of birth. This helps your baby
move down through your pelvis, your cervix (neck of
the womb) dilate (to open up) and helps keep the
strength and frequency of contractions.
Every woman is different and you will know what is
best for you in labour. We encourage you to
communicate your preferences with your support
person and midwife. You may find you like different
things at different times in your labour.
Here are some suggestions to help you cope with
your labour.
RelaxationMusic
You may play your own music during labour.
Westmead Birth Unit has Bluetooth speakers that
you can connect to your music device or phone.
You may also decide to bring your own docking
station to play your music. Music can motivate you
or keep you calm which helps you to control your
birthing environment (space). It can make the
environment feel more home-like and encourage
you to relax.
“I played my relaxation music while in
labour, but when it came to pushing I
played my old running playlist”-Michelle
Massage
Massage can help reduce anxiety and encourage
you to feel confident. Massage stimulates the
production of hormones called endorphins. These
hormones act as natural pain killers and mood
enhancers.
In labour your support person can massage
different areas including the shoulders, head, back,
feet, legs and hands. Your partner or other support
person can use long, flowing strokes, or large
circular strokes.
For low back discomfort we suggest you are
massaged with smaller movements and with firm
pressure. Massage can help ease your muscle
tension in labour and help you relax.
Listening to music you enjoy, helps your brain
release a hormone called Dopamine. This hormone
is linked to your feelings around positive
experiences. Music can also act as a distraction
from discomfort.
WSP-452. Managing your labour. V2 05/05/2016
1 of 3
Heat
Heat packs placed on the lower abdomen (belly) or
back can feel good. Your midwife at Westmead
Hospital will make a heat pack for you. There is no
need to bring your own. Applying heat can help you
cope with the discomfort of contractions in labour.
Water is a great form of pain relief.
Being in the water can be a very effective pain relief
in labour. Water provides support and buoyancy
that helps you to relax.
Lying in warm water during labour can reduce
stress hormones and pain by helping your body to
produce natural pain relievers (endorphins). It can
ease muscular tension and help you to relax
between contractions.
Labouring in water may:
 provide significant pain relief
Keeping active in labour is helpful
It is recommended you remain active in labour to
help your baby move down through your pelvis.
 upright positioning allows gravity to
encourage the baby into a position ready for
birth, it can also put good pressure on your
cervix (neck of the womb) to help it dilate
(open)

reduce the need for drugs and interventions,
particularly epidurals

help you feel more in control in labour and
happier about how you are coping

provide a feeling of weightlessness, relieving
tired muscles and stress

walk around the room or up and down
corridors while you can

speed up labour


promote relaxation and conserve energy.
lean on your partner or support person if it
helps

changing positions allows your body to help
your baby descend (move down)
We have a variety of equipment available in our
birth unit to help you. This includes bean bags, birth
stools, baths, birthing mats and chairs. Our beds
also move into many upright positions.
WSP-452.Managing your labour V2 05/05/2016
2 of 3
We recommend you try:
 standing

squatting

rocking on your hands and knees

sitting back to back with your support
person.
Women in labour need to feel safe, supported and
secure. This encourages a positive experience as
well as helps your body supply good levels of labour
hormone.
Read more information on the active birth fact sheet
Positive thinking
Positive thinking is important in labour as it helps
you to feel confident. Your midwife and support
people will help inspire you to feel strong and
capable.
Some women like to focus on word or a
positive message. An example of this is
“Down and Out”, “My Body and baby are
working together, “I am strong and
confident”.
WSP-452.Managing your labour V2 05/05/2016
3 of 3